GTD 2014 - Day 25 - Last Day!

Gonzales, LA to New Orleans, LA

The rain resumed during the night so as soon as I woke up I checked the weather.  It was to let up in the Gonzales area in the next hour or so and then I was to have sunshine in New Orleans!

I took my time enjoying the hotel breakfast and getting ready for my final day of riding.  The rain slowed significantly so I set out.  I was to meet up with Jenny and the Crossroads Interns this afternoon so I didn't want to leave Gonzales too late.

I continued down Hwy 61 to Garyville where I got on the MRT which ran on top of the Levee.  It was so awesome to finish up the ride right along the River.  It was also interesting to see the life that people lived right along the River.  What started as a small stream in Minnesota was now a raging river in Louisiana that provided life to the area and the people.

It was fun to see the various boats and barges going up and down the River, this is how things got from one place to another here as well as upriver.

I was enjoying the ride until I came to a blockade that said the MRT was under construction the rest of the way into NOLA.

I got off the trail and checked my Maps.  I found a way to the French Quarter.  My dream had been too ride the MRT into the French Quarter and enjoy and awesome early dinner at one of the amazing restaurants in the Quarter.  That dream was shattered.

Due to traffic and construction I actually decided to eat at Jimmy Johns after passing the Superdome.  It wasn't one of the restaurants in the French Quarter but it was awesome nonetheless.  I touched base with the Crossroads Staff and decided to forgo downtown and head to the home of Crossroads Interns for the summer.

Riding through NOLA was nice but it was great to get out of the busy town and head to Arabi.  I arrived at the Intern Facility and Jenny just happen to be outside, it was great to see her!  She was working hard but having a blast as an Intern.

I brought my rid inside and found my place of lodging for the night.  I showered then went with the rest of the Interns to dinner at the home of the Crossroads Staff Leader.  It was an awesome night of feasting and fellowshipping.  While there I set up a ride to the airport for the morning to pick up a rental car.  I thought about riding there but after 25 days of riding and the drive ahead of me to Panama City I thought it best to catch a ride.

I look forward to tomorrow's journey to Panama City, I will pick Celeste up at the Airport and we will enjoy some days there with UF CCH Gon4ths, the beach and seafood!

GTD 2014 has been awesome but challenging.  Once again, no matter the situation, God provided every step of the way.  Looking forward to seeing the final amount raised and then how that will benefit UF CCH students who desire to serve next summer away from Gainesville.

GTD 2014 - Day 24

Woodville, MS to Gonzales, LA

Riding through Mississippi has been ok but I was glad to enter into Louisiana today.  The weather man was right re: the storm, it hit as I got to Baton Rouge.

Until Baton Rouge the ride was great.  Great road, great weather and downhill.  Once the storm hit it hit!  This made riding around the LSU Campus less exciting.  I did stop by the LSU BCM but my friend's friend was not there.  I was so soaked that I drenched the entryway of the BCM.

I did ride by the Football Stadium, Basketball Arena, Baseball Stadium...before leaving campus and heading to Gonzales for the night.  The rain continued until after lunch.  For lunch I decided that I should eat at Popeyes one time while in Louisiana.

As it was at the BCM, I drenched the lobby at Popeyes.  Needless to say, I got quite the look because of my rig and my condition.  I enjoyed some awesome chicken and sides and charged up all my devices while there.

After lunch the rain quit and the sun came out just as I was to cross under the Interstate.  I rejoiced over the sunshine and the fact that there was a Starbucks at that Interchange.  I enjoyed a large iced drink and a snack.  Once finished I set my sights on Gonzales.

As I rode into Gonzales I experienced the effects of the storm.  Many of the streets were flooded and I had to ride through knee deep water to get to my hotel.  Fortunately the area where the hotel was located was fine.

I settled in, cleaned up, ate dinner and called Celeste to talk about our plans for after New Orleans.

GTD 2014 - Day 23

Vicksburg, MS to Woodville, MS

Today's ride started in close proximity of the River but then Hwy 61 turned east and I was riding on the fringe of the St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990.  Management of the refuge aims to conserve the integrity of a dynamic bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem in the Lower Mississippi River Valley.  The 24,589-acre refuge located in southwest Mississippi contains a diverse array of habitat types consisting of bottomland hardwoods, cypress swamps, upland hardwoods on the loess bluffs, small cliffs made from a specific type of wind-blown sediment.

I enjoy the countryside rides, the small and big city rides and especially the rides through National Forests and National Refuge Areas.

I find that I get the best view from my bike.  The pace, the open air, the elements....

As I settle in I am now turning my thoughts more toward the finish in New Orleans.  There I will connect with Crossroads Missions and their Interns, one of which is Jenny from UF CCH.

Before New Orleans though I am looking forward to riding through and around the LSU Campus.  I plan to stop at the LSU BCM and say hello to a friend of my UF BCM friend.

I keep an eye on the weather ahead, there is a storm brewing in the Gulf.  No matter the weather situation, God will provide.

GTD 2014 - Day 22

Greenville, MS to Vicksburg, MS

The Mississippi River Trail takes on many road numbers, thankfully it is well marked for the most part.

Highways 1 & 61 have been a constant in Mississippi as have small towns and countryside.  Outside of dealing with the heat and dogs the rides in Mississippi have been good.

At one point after turning down Bark Road and hearing dogs barking ahead of me I turned around an rerouted.  I had already had to get off my bike one time and grab a stick to ward off a dog or two.
After rerouting  and then getting back on what I thought was the route I was sure I wasn't confident that I actually was on course.  I had just climbed a long hill into a neighborhood and it didn't seem right.  I saw a lady working in her yard so I stopped and asked if I was on course, she said yes.  There must be a lot of long distance cyclists pass her house.

As I entered Vicksburg I saw some of the Historical Markers that it is known for.  The road to my hotel was tricky but I figured it out.  I showered then set out on foot to find some dinner.  I crossed over a busy road and walked uphill to a restaurant.  It was worth the walk.

I returned to the hotel, prepped for the next day's ride and went to sleep.  I was getting close to Louisiana and the end of my trip.  I was feeling good now after a physical and mental lapse mid way through the trip.

GTD 2014 - Day 21

Clarksdale, MS to Greenville, MS

Today's ride would be to Greenville.  Immediately upon leaving the hotel I found my way over to Highway 1, this would take me to the River first and then to Greenville second.

There was nothing special about today's ride.  It was good to be along the River and meeting nice small town folks along the Mississippi.

I got to Greenville mid afternoon and found a decent hotel.  Since I was off Schedule I was either too close or too far away from the Campgrounds I had planned to stay at.

That is often the case with a long distance trip.  It is easy to sit in the office and plan a route and lodging based upon Google Maps and Google.  The difficulty lies in dealing with the different issues that arise during a long distance trip.  Weather, health, mechanical, dogs...all play a part in the unfolding of a trip and having to adjust.

The cool thing is that all along the way God has provided what was needed when it was needed.  Looking forward to Vicksburg tomorrow!

GTD 2014 - Day 20

Millington, TN to Clarksdale, MS

I wanted to get an early start so that I could see Memphis when it wasn't so crazy.  The ride into Memphis had a lot of downhill so before I knew it I was at the Pyramid in downtown Memphis.  I rode around it a bit and then went over along the River to Mud Island.  I read quite a few of the Historical Markers then decided to make my way down River into Mississippi.

Memphis was truly the highlight of the day.  The rest of the day it was countryside and small towns.  Unfortunately as I was entering Clarksdale I had my first accident of the trip.  The roads were terrible!  Big weather cracks were everywhere and one caught my front tire and steered me into the curb and then tumbling into the grass.

I knew I was ok so I immediately checked out my bike.  I knew if I had any bike issues I was in big trouble because I was in a small Mississippi town late on a Friday.  It was also a holiday weekend so there was a good chance that any bike shop would be closed until Monday.

Fortunately, PTL, my bike was fine!  I was a bit scratched up but nothing bad.  I got into town and stopped at a McDonalds to clean up and get something to eat.  I called Celeste to let her know where I was and that I had crashed but was ok.

It was a long day of riding so I was happy to finally get to my hotel.  Google Maps took me through all kinds of neighborhoods on the way to my hotel.  At one point I was sure I was lost but I trusted the Maps and a short time later I was pulling into my hotel.

I was really tired so I cleaned up and settled in for the night.  AC and a comfortable bed make for a good nights sleep.

Tomorrow I will continue through Mississippi.  The plan is to make it to Vicksburg.

GTD 2014 - Day 19

Tiptonville, TN to Millington, TN

I was hoping to meet up with friends in the Memphis area but since I was a bit off schedule that would no longer be possible due to distance and schedules.  I was bummed about that but very glad that I would be riding through some larger towns with more options for food and quite possibly coffee at Starbucks.

Not long after setting out I found a convenience store and got my caffeine rush from a Monster Loca Moca.  I bought a country ham biscuit for breakfast.  Food and caffeine had me ready to make my way toward Memphis.

On my way to Memphis I passed through Dyersburg, TN, a place I had visited several times when I was a youth pastor in East TN.  From there I rode through several small towns before realizing I would not make it all the way into Memphis.

I called Celeste and she found me a room in Millignton, TN.  Just as I entered the Millington city limit I found a Starbucks!  It had been 4-5 days since seeing a Starbucks.  I enjoyed food, an espresso drink and something sweet, this was my dinner.  Soon after Starbucks I found the hotel that Celeste had booked for me.

I was glad to be there but a bit disappointed that I didn't make it into Memphis or get to meet up with friends.  I am sure that disappointment will diminish tomorrow when I get into Memphis and eyeball some of well known sites that Memphis is known for.

GTD 2014 - Day 18

Charleston, MO to Tiptonville, TN

I had read that the bridge crossing the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers into Kentucky could be a bit tricky if you tried to ride it during the morning commute to work so I woke up early and started early.

I arrived at the bridge before the busy time and had no problem getting across safely.  I was now in Kentucky!

After the early morning push to get across the bridge I decided to stop for something to eat.  While there I met a young man on his first long distance tour.  He was still trying to figure things out and get in some sort of groove.  I shared a few tips with him that I hope helped him the longer he went.

I was heading to ReelFoot Lake State Park to camp but that changed when Celeste called me and told me that she talked to a Fish Camp that wanted to host me and Comp my stay.  The location of the Fish Camp was farther than the State Park but I thought I could get there ok.  I was wrong!

As the day went on and I was fighting the wind I called Celeste to let her know there was no way to make it to the Fish Camp.  She made a call to the Camp and they said no problem, they could send a truck to pick me up.  I looked on the map and told her the best place for them to meet me, she relayed that info to them.

I continued to ride to the point of meeting and there we connected.  The ride to the Camp seemed longer than my map indicated, not sure why.  Nonetheless I was being transported and looked forward to a good fish dinner, shower and night's rest.

The Fish Camp was very nice and the lake scenic.  The fish was delicious, I had no trouble falling asleep after dinner.

I was now setting my sights on Memphis, so glad to get back to a big city!  Until Memphis though, I would continue down the River experiencing the culture of the small towns along the Mississippi.

GTD 2014 - Day 17

Scott City, MO to Charleston, MO

I was excited to be catching a Ferry across the MR to Hickman, KY today.  Something to get excited about and ride for.

I left my nice camping spot and continued on Hwy 61 to Benton.  There I picked up 77 toward Charleston, it was very windy!

I got to Charleston at lunch time.  As I was eating I was checking the website for the Ferry, it said it was running.  There was a phone number but I didn't call, just trusted what I read on the website.

After finishing lunch I set out to meet up with the Ferry.  The wind was brutal!  It took me over 3 1/2 hours to reach the Ferry Dock.  When I got there I found someone else checking on the Ferry as well.  We called the number listed and a recording said that due to high winds the Ferry was not running today.  Not happy!  Not happy with myself for not calling the number when I was in Charleston for lunch.

I looked for a place to stealth camp but wasn't comfortable with anything I saw.  The only place that seemed ok did not afford me cell service and I didn't want to be out of touch with Celeste for the evening and night.  I ran into another cyclist in the same situation, he was just going to camp at the Dock and hope for the Ferry to run the next morning.

What to do?  I realized the best thing to do was to backtrack to Charleston and find a hotel.  The only upside to the backtracking was that the wind pushed me all the way.  What took 3 1/2 hours to cover into the wind only took 1 hour and 45 minutes with the wind.

Celeste found me a decent hotel so I checked in, settled in and got cleaned up.  I was tired and frustrated with myself so much that I began to question why in the world I was out in the Midwest riding a bike down a river.  My eye was off the prize.  Fortunately a conversation with Celeste got me refocused and back on track.

I took some time to plan for the next day.  Since the probability of high winds were likely I decided to turn east and cross the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers into Kentucky.

GTD 2014 - Day 16

Chester, IL to Scott City, MO

Flat doesn't always mean better.  This was the lesson learned today.  I left Chester early and enjoyed a bit more of Popeye before exiting town.

I quickly began my ride in the flat, desolate farm land of IL.  After several hours I was ready for a snack break but there were no country stores in sight.  As it got warm I was ready for a cold drink but there were no country stores in sight.

After another hour of frustration I finally eyeballed a country store and made my way to it, what a relief!  I continued down River in the same environment so when I came across a small diner around lunch time, I stopped!  It was awesome, the highlight of the day so far.

I was suppose to stay in IL and make my way to a campground, I chose to cross over the MR into Cape Girardeau.  I love bridges and crossing over rivers.  This was a great bridge!  I got into CG and could not find the Starbucks so I decided just to grab a quick snack and continue on.  Of course I now had to find a new stopping point.

I couldn't find any campgrounds or hotels so I stopped at a convenience store that had a large patch of land that was becoming home to gazebos for an upcoming Flea Market.  I went in and asked if it was ok for me to camp and they said yes.

There was a place to clean up and there was a diner.  I cleaned up and then enjoyed a delicious dinner.  A good finish to a frustrating day.  I settled in for the night and slept well.

GTD 2014 - Day 15

Ferguson, MO to Chester, IL

I left Mike & Pam's before they set out for church.  It was a quiet Sunday morning ride through the south side of St. Louis.  The Arch was within eyesight throughout the morning.

Since I was on the edges of St. Louis I didn't experience the city, only the outlying areas.  I crossed over the MR into Illinois and then found it quite tricky getting on route.  The first attempt Google Maps led me across the MR then onto a trail that went from paved to dirt.  I turned around.  The next attempt was leading me too far to the east so once again I turned around.  This time I took extra time to study the map, not just rely on Google Maps.

I got pointed in the right direction, south, and made my way through small rural towns all the way to Chester.  When I arrived in Chester I touched base with Mike and he figured that Chester would be my end point for the day.

Before entering Chester I was passed by another long distance cyclist but we didn't get to chat.  Upon entering Chester I found out that it was the Home of Popeye, cool!  There were statues of different Popeye characters throughout town and some Popeye themed murals.  Nice surprise.

Celeste found me a decent hotel for the night so I checked in, cleaned up, found something to eat and chatted with a local about my next day's riding options.  He said the east side of the MR was flat and the west side was hilly.  That made it easy for me to decide which route to take.

Most of the day was spent away from the River, tomorrow I will reconnect.

GTD 2014 - Day 14

Bowling Green, MO to St. Charles, MO

Countryside is great for riding but after so many days of countryside it is exciting to get back to the excitement of the city.

Even though a greater part of the day would be spent riding in the countryside along the MR I knew that the last quarter of today's ride would be going through towns leading to St. Louis.

I first stopped in Louisiana, MO and reconnected with the River.  There were some actual steps at the bank of the River that led down into the River.  Not exactly sure why they are there since the River is large and the current is strong.  Nonetheless, interesting.

I rode through small town after small town till I reached O'Fallon, MO.  There I found a Starbucks, the first one I saw since St. Paul, MN.  I enjoyed a snack, a drink and connecting with my friends in Ferguson, MO.

Due to the difficulty of getting to their house on bike Dr. Mike suggested that he meet me at Frontier Park in St. Charles, MO.  Sounded good to me so I set off for Frontier Park.  I was in city traffic but no worries, just energy.  I got to Frontier Park and texted Mike re: his location in the Park.  After hearing from him I made my way from where I was to where he was.  Along the way there was some cool frontier stuff.  It was great to find Mike!

We loaded up my rig and headed to the house.  After arriving at the house I unloaded my rig and took time to clean it up.  After that I cleaned myself up and enjoyed dinner & the evening with Mike & Pam.  Because of the nature of my journey Mike shared a book with me that was written by a man who canoed the MR.  I love adventure, I am looking forward to reading it!

GTD 2014 - Day 13

La Grange, MO to Bowling Green, MO.

I was excited to continue down the MR and go through Hannibal, MO.  A friend told me about the Mark Twain Diner and said that it was a must.

I put it in Google Maps and began to head that way.  Unfortunately Google Maps doesn't differentiate between paved and unpaved roads for cyclists.  My enthusiasm for the morning ride was dampened a bit when Google Maps took me off of a paved road onto a mostly hard packed farm road.

As I said, it was mostly hard packed so there were a few tricky areas along the way.  It was also bumpy and on one downhill section I hit a bump that tossed a water bottle or two out of their holders.  I had to stop and turn around in order to retrieve my bottles.  I was happy to finish that section and return back to the paved road.

I finally arrived at the Diner and enjoyed some fried chicken and veggies.  This would serve as good fuel for the afternoon.  I also took time to charge up my phone and portable battery for the night of camping ahead.

The afternoon ride was similar to others out in the countryside though this one was along a 4 lane road until the turn off to Bowling Green.  I was happy to make the turn east and head to the Campground.  Before the turn off I was surprised to come across the Gailey Branch in Pike County, MO.  I texted a  picture to my family and my brother David had passed by it before.  Pretty cool heh!

I arrived at the Campground and the Manager was really nice.  He directed me to my site, it was nice as well.  I set up camp then prepared some dinner.  After dinner I showered then got into my tent, the temperature was dropping.  It was to be unseasonable cold, this made for great sleeping weather.

Tomorrow I will meet up with the Chambers, looking forward to a great visit with them!

GTD 2014 - Day 12

Burlington, IA to La Grange, MO

I left Burlington and continued down Highway 61 along the Mississippi River (MR) into Missouri.  I was excited about the day's ride because it was taking me into familiar territory due to many trips to the Cornerstone Christian Music Festival in Bushnell, IL.

One time at the Festival I was in need of some $ so I traveled into town Macomb, IL and no $ were available.  I was told there were some grocery stores in Keokuk, IA that would give cash back so I took off on a road trip.  I didn't know that day when I crossed the MR that several years later I would pass by the area on my bike riding down the MR.

The ride through the farmland of Illinois was uneventful, I am so glad that I can listen to music or podcast along the way.

I finally arrived at Wakonda SP in La Grange, MO, it was very nice.

In two days I will arrive in the St. Louis area where I will connect with great friends Dr. Mike &

Pam Chambers.  Before St. Louis though I will make a stop in Bowling Green, MO.

GTD 2014 - Day 11

Davenport, IA to Burlington, IA

After a great breakfast Scott transported me back to my route.  Today I would rejoin my new friend, the Mississippi River, and continue on The Mississippi Trail to Burlington, IA.

I had been calling the Campground in Burlington to confirm my reservation but no one was answering the phone.  Finally late in the day they called me back to let me know that flooding has closed their Campground.  I thought, no worries, I will get a room in Burlington.

I arrived in Burlington and immediately realized that it was an interesting place.  Downtown wires stretched across the street and had bicycles hanging from the wires.  Modern art expression I guess.

I made my way out of the old Downtown area to the Business District where the hotels were.  I checked the first one, no rooms.  Second one, no rooms.  This went on and on till I was at one of the last decent hotels.  At first when I asked for a room there were none.  As I was about to leave one room opened up due to a cancellation.

I wondered why no rooms were available that time of the week in Burlington.  I was told that each week Business people would come to town to conduct business so rooms were always scarce mid week.  I was praising the Lord one opened up or else I would have been looking for a Park or Backyard to camp in.

The hotel provided me with a warm shower and laundry facilities, it was a good day and now good night.

GTD 2014 - Day 10

Dubuque, IA to Davenport, IA

I talked to Scott in Davenport and told him my route for the day.  He said based upon where they live in relation to my route it would be best for him to meet me when I got to Davenport.  He gave me the location and I put in Google Maps.

The ride was very uneventful because I left the river and rode a straight line from Dubuque to Davenport on a 4 lane highway.  I felt very much like riding 11W in East Tennessee or 441 in Florida.

I gave Scott a heads up when I was getting close so he met me soon after I arrived.  His vehicle easily fit my rig so we loaded up quick and set off for his house.  Upon arrival I met his wife, very nice.  Scott said it would be best for him to transport me back to my route the next morning so everything stayed in the vehicle.

After showering we went out to an awesome Italian Restaurant, I put away the pasta!  After dinner we chatted a bit before calling it a day.

The route may not have been the best but the dinner and company made it a great rebound day.

Looking forward to making my way into another State tomorrow!